When K D asked me to do a “story behind the story” blog post, I already knew she had a story of mine in mind. As a fellow outdoorsy type, K D was very interested when I posted some photos online of a visit I’d made to a moorland pool in the Peak District. So naturally I’d like to appease K D’s curiosity and give you all a little insight into this particular tale.
I’ve always been a bit of a history buff, in particular local history. Although I live in Derbyshire, the nearest border of the Peak District is about 40 minutes away from me, so I’m going with local-ish, OK?
The Peak District itself is steeped in legend and folklore, with everything from haunted mines and bridges to black dogs and mermaids.
I can hear you thinking: mermaids, you say? In the Peak District? But isn’t that in the middle of the country and nowhere near the sea?
You’re absolutely right, and this is why a particular legend fascinated me so much. It tells the tale of a pool high up in the Peak District which is reputed to be haunted by a mermaid. The legend varies dependent on what you’re reading or who you’re listening to, but the general idea is that the mermaid is a malevolent creature that drags victims into the murky depths of the pool. When I heard this, I simply had to go and see this place for myself. Its proper name is Blake Mere, and is situated on the Morridge Moors, not too far from the main Leek to Buxton road, if you’re familiar with the area.
I’ve been two or three times now but it wasn’t until my upcoming anthology project was born that I thought of using the place and its legend in a story. The anthology (which is likely going to be entitled Seducing the Myth) is an erotic mythology book and when I thought about what I’d like to write for it, this seemed like the obvious option. Granted, there are myths that go thousands of years back in time and span the globe, but I liked the thought of doing something local. And so Down by the Pool came to fruition.
Without giving too much away, the story is about a male journalist who hears about a series of disappearances which are linked to Blake Mere and its mythical inhabitant. He sets out to find out more about the legend and to write an article disproving it. However, on visiting the pool for himself, he has an experience which he can definitely not publish in the local newspaper.
I had great fun researching the area and the legend, as well as writing the story. The thing is, I think I’ve now caught the bug. You may be seeing more stories from me in future with unusual settings or backgrounds 🙂
Keep an eye on my website for details of the upcoming anthology!
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During Lucy’s first year studying Creative Writing at the University of Derby, she was dared to write an erotic story. It went down a storm and she’s never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance and Xcite Books. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for sharing the story behind the story of Down By The Pool with us, Lucy! I can hardly wait to get my hot little hands on your anthology, Seducing the Myth. Hints on when??? Waiting with bated breath.
As always, lovely to have you!